An Introduction To Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication And Its Process And Techniques

By Author: Stuart Small
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Precision sheet metal fabrication means the process that involves the construction of machines and structures from various sheet metals. It is a value added process. In this process metals are processed on different temperature and the process is classified as cold, warm and hot on the basis of the range of temperatures. Different processes that form sheet metal into finished products are described under the title precision sheet metal fabrication.

The Process and Techniques

Forming, cutting and finishing are the three primary processes of precision sheet metal fabrication. Laser cutting, electro discharge machining, water jet cutting and wire cut EDM are the some other modern techniques of precision sheet metal fabrication process.

The process that alters the form of flat metal sheet is known as forming. Annealing, cold rolling, bending, forging, mechanical working, drawing, press forming, welding and roll forming are the processes that are typically used to form the sheet metal.

Cutting is the process that is used to alter the shape of the sheet by removing some unwanted material from the ...
... sheet. Stamping, shearing, sawing, drilling, blanking and punching are the cutting processes.

Finishing process is the final stage of precision sheet metal fabrication process. Finishing means the process in which a finished and soft surface is given to the metal sheet by using the techniques such as sanding, vibration painting and visual design applications.

Laser cutting means the process of cutting the materials with a laser beam. In this process a laser beam is directing against a metal surface. The level of accuracy and complexity that it allows is impossible for most other cutting processes that are available.

Electrical Discharge Machining or EDM is available for creating complex or simple shapes and geometries within parts and assemblies. It is one of the most accurate manufacturing processes. When low counts or high accuracy is required EDM manufacturing is quite affordable and a very desirable manufacturing process.

Water jet cutting is the most versatile cutting process. In this process a jet of water, at high velocity and pressure, or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance is used. For sensitive to the high temperature materials, it is preferred method as other methods generate high temperature.

Wire cut EDM is a process when a metallic wire is used for cutting a programmed contour into a single work piece. The method is typically used to cut 300 mm thick plates. It is also used to cut hard metals that are too difficult to machine of other methods to make punches, tools, and dies.

This is one of the most widely used fabrication methods in industries. Metal cabinets, ventilation shafts, hoods, enclosures, exhaust systems, prototypes and tanks are the typically the objects created during precision sheet metal fabrication. Food dispensing, communications, food shortage, automotive, medical, computer, electronics, telecommunication, pharmaceutical, aerospace, construction and residential are the additional industries that are using this type of fabrication.

Author About:

Stuart Small from Stevens Rowsell Sheet Metal Engineering writes about Sheet Metal Fabrication. For more information about Sheet Metal Fabrication visit www.stevensrowsell.com